Brussels, Belgium. European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna praised the European Union’s unity and resolve in response to United States President Donald Trump’s demands that Denmark hand over sovereignty of Greenland to the US. She spoke at the European General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.
Raouna cites EU principles and Cyprus’ perspective
Raouna said the EU acted “with unity, with resolve,” and remained committed to upholding international legality, territorial integrity, sovereignty and integrity. She said these values are close to Cyprus, which she described as an EU member state that still experiences occupation and violations of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Strategic autonomy and partnership with the US
Raouna said the EU’s strategic autonomy is a necessary next step in European integration, describing it as building the ability to act independently when necessary and cooperate with partners when possible. She said relations with the US are indispensable, while adding that the EU sent a clear message of unity and determination in response to Trump’s heightened rhetoric last week.
Dialogue, diplomacy and Cyprus’ EU Council presidency priorities
Raouna said that while remaining firm on principles, the EU should continue on a path of dialogue and diplomacy. She added that in light of current geoeconomic and geopolitical developments, the central principle and goal of Cyprus’ six-month term holding the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency is more pertinent than ever, and said Cyprus will work for a European Union that is more autonomous and open to the world.
Christodoulides rejects claims of lasting damage
Her comments followed remarks by President Nikos Christodoulides, who denied that EU-US relations had been “irreparably damaged” by Trump’s rhetoric. He said the EU is “here to de-escalate, not to escalate,” and to find a positive way forward without undermining the territorial integrity or sovereignty of any member state.
How do you think the EU should balance dialogue with the US while maintaining its stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity?